Chapter
Chapter Seven
"Who's Sheila?" Martha asked and my heartbeat stopped for a second. Before I could answer though, Henry spoke.
"Sheila's her manager for the time she's here. We told her not to call us unless it's really important. There was some problem with the suppliers, so she panicked."
"That doesn't sound like a good manager to me," Michael commented. I gave him a look and he just shrugged. "Saying it like it is sweetheart."
I gaped at him, sure that my jaw was on the floor. I peeked a glance at Henry, who was busy talking Martha. I ignored Michael and paid attention to the delectable lemon cheesecake in front of me. I took a bite, savouring the taste as it exploded on my taste buds. I felt Michael's leg press against mine and my gaze snapped to him.
He was looking at his phone nonchalantly, but I saw the smirk on his face. "Michael!" I hissed and his amused gaze met mine.
"Yes Ms. King?" he smirked. He damn well knew what he was doing and playing at. I shook my head, knowing I would probably make a fool of myself if I said anything. It wasn't a very unlikely thing, because whenever I was around him, it seemed as if I couldn't find words.
"How's the cake honey?" Martha asked, "Does it live up to your standards?"
I laughed uncomfortably. "Uh... It's great! Way better than my café's cake. I may have to steal the recipe from you."
Martha blushed and laughed, "Such a sweet talker you are."
A blush rose up to my cheeks, but quickly brushed it off. Henry turned to me with a smirk and I raised my eyebrows at him. He leaned in and whispered, "I think my brother has the hots for you."
I stared at him, speechless. "Henry!" I whisper-hissed, aware of the blush creeping up my neck. "I'm your girlfriend remember?"
He laughed and I glared at him. He kissed my cheek and spoke loud enough for the neighbors to hear, "Of course we'll have sex sweetheart."
My jaw dropped to the floor. I stared at him in utter disbelief. And this guy was supposed to be my best friend. I glared at him before excusing myself and walking out. I walked to my room, completely angry and embarrassed.
"Jess, I'm sorry," Henry ran after me. I ignored him and continued up the stairs. I walked into my room and just as I was about to close the door, he stood in front of it. "Jess..."
"What the fuck Henry?!" I burst out as soon as the door closed behind him. "You made me sound like horny teenager!"
"I'm so sorry Jess, I..." he groaned in frustration. "Mom asked me if we were really dating or we were like those on and off couples. And I freaked."
"That's no excuse," I snapped. "You cannot bring me here and treat me like that. "
"I know," Henry said, apology clear in his voice. "And I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you."
I raised my eyebrows. I wasn't falling for this. "How?"
"We can go sight seeing tomorrow," Henry offered. "You have always to see Rome."
sounded tempting. I had always wanted to see Rome, feel the authenticity of the city. And he knew it and played on it. I bit my lip, wanting to give in so badly. Henry smiled a small apologetic smile. He knew that I would succumb. And that's what I did.
"Okay," I said. "But you aren't forgiven."
Henry grinned, already sensing victory, "Of course. I will beg and plead for your forgiveness."
I flicked his head, "You're such a fool."
He grinned. "So what so you say, one whole day of checking Italian hunks out?"
I laughed. Of course. Henry had to have an ulterior motive behind this. Italian guys. "Why are you..." I paused, "Are you close to your brother?"
Henry scowled, he knew where this was going. "Yes. And Mike asked me about my sexual
preference once. I wasn't sure that time, so I shrugged him off. He has never broached the topic after that."
"He wouldn't be okay with it?"
"He would," Henry answered. "Mike isn't like that. He understands, but now isn't the right time to tell him."
"Why?" I frowned. "If it doesn't bother him, then why are you hiding it from him?"
"Its complicated Jess. I'll tell you later."
"Henry..." I trailed off, knowing that I had upset him. "I'm sorry. I'm just worried about what will happen when you come out."
"That is my concern Jess. Leave it be."
I nodded, before enveloping him in a hug. He was my best friend and I wanted him to be happy. He deserves that. But I knew that he had only dug the hole deeper by making me his girlfriend. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I should have said no. But now it was too late.
Henry hesitated before hugging me back, but soon his familiar warmth surrounded me. "You know this is a sensitive topic Jess. Let it go, please."
Reluctantly, I nodded. If that was what he wanted.